The recent tragedies at F.R. Tower and Chawkbazar area highlighted the appalling state of firefighting available in the country. Moreover, it also brought into the forefront the obvious disregard for safety regulations by big businesses and organizations. It is good news that in order to prevent further tragedies from happening, the government is going to construct 11 modern fire service and civil defense stations in areas where readymade garment factories and textiles are located.
Fire stations will be constructed at two mega projects – Matarbari coal based power plant and Rooppur Nuclear Power Plants. These two mega projects are giving Bangladesh hope for the future. But we must also keep in mind that safety should never be compromised for the sake of development. In fact, safety regulations are a big part of development of any nation.
The government will install these modern fire service stations at Dhaka, Chattogram and Pabna region for ensuring fire safety and preventing the loss of life. The project will be completed by June 2021.
There has been a sharp increase
in the number of fire incidents
in the country in the last few years
The fire stations will be established in Ashulia, Gazipur, Konabari, Kasimour, Narayanganj, Sonargaon, Karnaphuli and Khulshi in Chattogram, Moheshkhali in Cox’s Bazar and Ishwardi in Pabna. According to the fire department, each new station will be a six-storied building.
There has been a sharp increase in the number of fire incidents in the country in the last few years. Countless lives have been lost due to the disregard of safety regulations. Our fire service department was not well equipped or trained to handle such large-scale catastrophes. However, with the construction of the modern fire stations as per the government’s plan, that gap is likely to be filled.
We must remain vigilant when it comes to compliance with safety regulations. Any one violating the regulations should be penalized severely for endangering human lives. Strict implementation of laws is just as necessary as having modern equipment to deal with fire. Fire service workers should be given proper training on how to handle large-scale chemical, electrical and other types of fire to minimize the loss of life.